News & Events
IV Christmas Choir Festival
The U.S. Embassy in Ecuador, in cooperation with the Metropolitan Cultural Center in Quito, is pleased to sponsor the 4th annual Christmas Choir Festival, which will take place on December 14 at 10:00 a.m. at the Center (García Moreno 887 and Espejo).
Choirs from ten elementary and secondary schools and from the Embassy will perform holiday songs in English, Spanish, Italian, and Quichua. “This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen cultural ties with music and songs and also to share pleasant moments together,” said Ambassador Adam Namm.
------
USAID Finances Four Bridges in Esmeraldas
With Ambassador Adam Namm in attendance, USAID and Plan Ecuador inaugurated four vehicular bridges in the community of “El Venado,” District of Rio Verde, province of Esmeraldas in northern Ecuador. The projects were financed by the United States Government, through USAID, and were planned in coordination with the government of Ecuador through Plan Ecuador. The projects are a priority for improving the quality of life of the mainly agricultural population living along the northern border in Ecuador. Approximately 1,800 people will benefit from these infrastructure projects. Ambassador Namm highlighted the cooperation between the Ecuadorian and U.S. Governments in the common goal to achieve development.
--------------
Composition by Grammy Winner Gabriela Lena Frank to Mark Teatro Sucre Anniversary Celebration
The piece entitled “Compadre Huashayo” by US Composer Gabriela Lena Frank will be performed to mark the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Teatro Nacional Sucre in Quito on November 20, at 7:30 PM. The project is inspired by the philosophy of cultural crossbreeding and equality in coexistence. It is a fusion of contemporary music and a new important movement in multiculturalism in five suites that speak of history, traditions and Andean sounds. The piece was created exclusively for the Orchestra of Andean Instruments.
Those interested in obtaining tickets for the show are requested to call 2570229, ext. 101.
Lisa Swenarsky, Cultural Affairs Attache at the Embassy said, “Compadre Huashayo is an important project for the U.S. Embassy because it joins Ecuadorians and Americans in a cultural exchange that transcends borders.”
----------------
Claudia Gray US Author of the “Midnight Saga” in Ecuador
The Embassy, in cooperation with LibriMundi, sponsored the visit of US author Claudia Gray within the framework of the International Book Fair that took place in Quito November 9 through 18.
The author, who is well known for titles such as Addiction, Balthazar, Immortal, and Vacations from Hell, participated in various lectures and book signing ceremonies in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.
Claudia Gray, a pseudonym of Amy Elizabeth Vincent, is a full-time novelist who lives in New Orleans. She is a lawyer and a journalist who has captured the interest of young audiences throughout the world with works that include suspense, adventure, humor, and romance.
“This is a good opportunity for young Ecuadorians to talk to one of highest impact contemporary authors” said Lisa Swenarsky, the Cultural Affairs Officer.
-------
USAID Helps Kids with Disabilities Join the Scout Movement
Through an agreement with the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, the Ecuador Scout Foundation launched the project “An Independent Life for Kids and Adolescents with Disabilities in Ecuador”.
The launching ceremony was attended by USAID Director, Andrew Herscozitz; Robert Moss, President of Scouts Ecuador; and Xavier Torres, UN Ecuador Commissioner for Disabilities.
Andrew Herscowitz invited the kids and adolescents with disabilities and their families to join the movement and make it another option for inclusion. The pilot program of this pioneering initiative takes place in the provinces of Guayas, Azuay, Manabi, Imbabura, and Pichincha. The financing provided by USAID amounts to $65,000. For more information on this movement please call 2272-645 or 2244-116 in Quito or write to fundacionscoutecuador@hotmail.com.
